Orchestral Seats

I'm trying to build an orchestra with no violins.

Many told me that's the stupidest idea they've ever heard but I want to try anyway.

I don't think I'll write an actual piece for this orchestra,

but please tell me what you think about the way I placed the instruments:

I think the harp is usually over on the left, the flutes are usually in front of the conducter. The contra-bassoons (is that what cb is) are right by the bassoons. The clarinets are by the flutes. Everything else looks good! This sounds like a fun challenge! I am not an expert on this but from what I have seen this is how it is.

I don't think this is silly. Nothing new.

For example in P. Glass opera Akhnaten the orchestra has no violins.

@Youngc

Cb are contrabasses, I know it should be Db for double bass. Or something.

Clarinets and Flutes are on mirrored positions because I want the double reeds to be together yet separated by the Horns.

Harp is on the other side because I want it to be in the front and in mirror position to the piano,

so the audience would be able to hear both clear at once.

It seems to draw on different kinds of ensembles (i.e. wind quintet, perc ensemble) but there's nothing wrong with not having violins. If the sound is justifiable, then by all means go for it. Honestly not too much different than the standard orchestra, overall.

As everybody else said, go for it! Thanks for the explaination! Have fun!

I would go for Viennese seating with the basses in the centre behind the winds.

Unless you are also dealing with unusual section sizes it seems your boxes are unproportional to how much space they would actually take up.

Regarding harp keep in mind that they sit with it leaning on the right shoulder. This means in your configuration they would have trouble seeing the conductor.

So I would move the horns over to the other side of the flutes and keep the space in the back centre for basses and move the bass drum to the left to make space for basses as well. And harp by piano/celeste.

49 minutes ago, bryla said:

I would go for Viennese seating with the basses in the centre behind the winds.

Unless you are also dealing with unusual section sizes it seems your boxes are unproportional to how much space they would actually take up.

Regarding harp keep in mind that they sit with it leaning on the right shoulder. This means in your configuration they would have trouble seeing the conductor.

So I would move the horns over to the other side of the flutes and keep the space in the back centre for basses and move the bass drum to the left to make space for basses as well. And harp by piano/celeste.

 

 

I changed the way it's organized.

Yes, the string sections are a bit different than usual.

Contrabasses are there because I want the basses to be in one side and the higher pitched on the other,

so one can come from each ear of the listener.

I'll upload the file that shows how it's currently organized and translate the number of players for you.

Number of Players

Strings:

First Vla: 10+solo

Second Vla: 10

First Vlc: 8+solo

Second Vlc: 8

CB: 6

Woodwinds:

Flutes: 3+Picollo

Oboes: 3+Eng Horn

Clarinets: 3+Bass

Bassoons: 3+Contra

Brass:

FHs: 4+solo

Tpts: 2

Cornets: 2

Tbns: 2+Bass

Tba: 2+Baritone

Percussion:

Timpani (four drums)

Bass Drum

Snare

Cymbal

Chimes

Glock

Xylpohone

Vibs

Others:

Piano

2 Harps

Celesta